Filmmaker training with neurodivergent actors

Ffilm Cymru Wales is partnering with Hijinx to provide training for Welsh filmmakers in working with neurodivergent screen talent.

This one-day training event will feature workshops, discussions, role-play and practical exercises to empower experienced independent filmmakers with the confidence and skills to work with learning disabled actors and creative talent.

Taking place at Cardiff’s Chapter Arts Centre on 28th November, the workshops have been designed for writers, directors and producers, with the aim of exploring new ideas, approaches and possibilities for improved communication.

Hijinx provide pioneering training for learning disabled actors and support with ongoing professional training in stage, screen and voice at Hijinx Academies. At a special event in the Senedd last month, they proposed seven new guidelines on the casting of actors with learning and developmental disabilities for film and TV productions. These standards, which include advice on avoiding stereotypes, auditioning appropriately and working in partnership, have been developed by Hijinx in a bid to promote ethical casting, and to ensure that learning disabled characters are fairly represented on screen.

Disability is one of seven key characteristics that Ffilm Cymru Wales have identified in their Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan, which guides their work in helping to remove barriers for people under-represented in the film sector. Ffilm Cymru Wales have recently funded two film education projects delivered by Hijinx equipping neurodivergent people with the tools and opportunity to share their own stories, and previously hosted a training event exploring how to increase representation of disabled people both on screen and behind the camera.

If you are interested in taking part in the training event, or would like to find out more, please send us an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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